One of my friends and I guess co-workers (it seems like such an impersonal word for the people I “work” with at Ouachita) writes an article in the Daily Siftings Herald, our local paper. Below is the article from this week:
The End of the Bench
Chris Babb
April 24, 2008
Last year, my wife and I got involved in the Clark County Relay for Life event as co-chairs along with another couple for our team. Part of our interest on our particular team was because one of our co-workers was diagnosed with cancer a few months before the fundraising efforts for Relay began and we wanted to honor him.
We enjoyed the event and hope that we honored Joe along the way.
This year is another reminder of why events like this are necessary each year. Yet again, another co-worker has been diagnosed with cancer, this time Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The time from discovery to diagnosis to treatment has been exactly one month now and it has again been a reminder that cancer can strike a totally unsuspecting person in the blink of an eye. This time last year our friend was staying out all night with us at Relay. This morning, she just had her second round of chemo.
Constant attention needs to be given to efforts like the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life so the need for money for research will always be at the top of people’s minds when deciding what medical causes to support financially.
This year, it’s a little bit closer to home because my friend is in her mid-20s, far too young to have to deal with such things.
To see her remain her always vibrant self, cracking jokes (sometimes at her own expense) and continuing on with life as usual is a tremendous encouragement and we only hope that we can be just as encouraging to her.
As the time for Relay for Life gets closer, I realize that we are not alone. Many groups form teams and participate in Relay because there is a personal touch. A friend or family member has been affected and this is one way to honor that person and bring attention to a great cause.
If you haven’t been to the opening ceremonies and seen the survivor’s lap to kick the all-night event off, it’s well worth it.
Tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. at HSU’s Carpenter-Haygood Stadium, the participants in Clark County Relay for Life invite you to come celebrate life with those who have conquered cancer and those who are battling right now. In case of rain the festivities will take place inside the Duke Wells Center.
This group, which now includes a close friend, is proof that cancer no longer has to signal the end of the race– today, it can be just a big pitt stop.
We love KP
CB, you Rock and I am so honored to have a friend like you!!!
